Blackstone and MGM announced last September that MGM would acquire the operations of the Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas, currently affiliated with Marriott under the Autograph Collection flag and it was widely expected that this would mean the Marriott partnership would come to an end.
In a surprise announcement during a Nevada Gaming Control Commission meeting, however, MGM announced that they would keep the Marriott affiliation intact [rather than shifting to their primary parter which is Hyatt].
Many Marriott Bonvoy members consider this their to-go hotel in Las Vegas to earn and in some cases even redeem their points. The “Cosmo” is one of the most desirable hotels on the Strip due it’s prime location and the beautiful balcony rooms so there is definitely something to this hotel.
You can access Marriott’s page for the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas here.
John wrote about the initial announcement back in September when both Blackstone and MGM had their press releases related to the transaction:
What Happens To The Cosmopolitan’s Affiliation With Marriott & Bonvoy?
I have visited Las Vegas and the Cosmopolitan three times since September to feel out if any of the employees know a bit more about the progress of the acquisition and the change from the popular Identity Rewards to MGM Rewards.
Apparently, the change will take place within the next three months as word has it. I’m still missing a formal announcement.
This will be especially interesting for MGM elite members as under the new program structure resort fees are waived and some new benefits have been implemented. I can’t wait to see what they would offer me at the MGM NOIR level when staying on property once the partnership goes live.
Active gamblers will probably miss the Identity Rewards which is superior to MGM Rewards so there are two sides to the story.
But the development that was most interesting is that MGM revealed during a Nevada Gaming Commission meeting that the partnership with Marriott will continue (see the Youtube Video here).
This was initially posted by Marc Meltzer who is a Las Vegas expert:
Big news for the miles/points people – During NGCB meeting MGM says it plans to keep the Marriott partnership w/Cosmopolitan.
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) May 12, 2022
I’d be seriously interested in what moved MGM to keep the Marriott affiliation rather than adopting Hyatt just like all their other properties.
Conclusion
MGM is in the final stages of integrating the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas into the MGM family which includes MGM Rewards.
They did reveal, however, that the hotel would continue to be a Marriott partner rather than a Hyatt one which might disappoint many MGM and Hyatt customers (myself included) who were looking forward to earning Hyatt nights during their Las Vegas stays at Cosmopolitan.
Maybe that is something that’s coming in the future, who knows… but for now, Marriott is here to stay!
